Mailboxes that meet the requirements set out in the SBD Homes 2016 Guide

Secured by Design (SBD) is a police initiative to guide and encourage those engaged within specification, design and build of homes to adopt crime prevention measures. The advice given in the Homes 2016 guide has proven to reduce the opportunity for crime and fear of crime, creating safer, more secure and sustainable environments.

The Secured by Design – Homes 2016 contains guidance on selecting a suitable mailbox solution for single dwelling or communal accommodation locations.

We offer a range of Mailboxes that meet the requirements set out in the Secured by Design Homes 2016 guide including wall mounted, wall recessed, through the wall and freestanding options. Having spent many years designing and manufacturing the best solution to these problems, we are confident that we can provide you with the very best tried and tested solutions.

Mailbox Features

Mail Aperture Restrictors

Mailboxes that comply with the Secured by Design Homes 2016 guide must offer reassurance that mail cannot be retrieved via the letterflap, by means of design features to combat such problems.

Here at The Safety Letterbox, mail aperture restrictors are available in both fixed and adjustable variations depending on the requirements of the user. Fixed size mail aperture restrictors limit the vertical height of the opening aperture to a fixed dimension whilst adjustable aperture restrictors are available for all mailboxes and the mail opening can be adjusted to suit the user’s requirements of the mailbox.

As with all of our products, mail aperture restrictors can be designed and manufactured to suit bespoke customer requirements Previous projects have included mail aperture restrictors being manufactured with an opening size of only 10mm but consideration must always be placed on the ability to post and receive mail.

Mail aperture restrictors can be factory fitted during manufacturing or fitted retrospectively once the mailbox has been produced, both with relative ease.

Robust Materials

Lockable Door

Our wide range of over 130 mailboxes typically use a locked door which is secured with the use of a coded security key – a set of two keys supplied as standard with every mailbox.

Recommended Mailboxes

COM 1 Mailbox – In Front / Out Front Vertical

The COM 1 mailbox is a robust and long-lasting mail solution that combines delicate design features with strong aluminium extrusion material. The COM 1 is a vertical mailbox that can be banked in stacks of up to 3 high and is suitable for both internal and external installation.

The COM 1 mailbox security stores flexible A4 mail and complies with the requirements set out in the Secured by Design Homes 2016 guide as standard, without the need for an additional gap restrictor.

COM 2 Mailbox – In Front / Out Front Horizontal

The COM 2 mailbox is an in front / out front product in a horizontal alignment that is typically used internally for a wall mounted, wall recessing or freestanding installation. The COM 2 mailbox forms a part of our classic range of mailboxes and can be configured in a variety of banking formats to meet the conditions of most project sites.

The COM 2 mailbox is manufactured using aluminium extrusion and is generally used internally, although can be installed externally with the use of additional weather cladding to ensure the boxes are water-tight and eliminate the chances of water ingress.

COM 3 Mailbox – In Front / Out Back

The COM 3 mailbox is an in front / out back product that is typically used for a through the wall postage of mail from external location to the internal of property.

Items are securely held in the mailbox until a user accesses the rear of the product with the use of a coded key. The COM 3 mailbox range is available with multiple accessories and features such as engraving, name cases, vinyl writing, gap restrictors, custom colours etc.

Securing Existing Door Letterflaps – The FlapLock™

Designing out crime at the front door

Securing existing door letterflaps could not be easier with the FlapLock™. The FlapLock™ is a letterbox security lock and is used by Fire & Rescue Services, Police Forces, Housing Associations, Councils and the General Public to secure vulnerable properties from arson, burglary and nuisance junk mail.

It also enables conformace to requirements set out in Part 21.24 – “Suitable internal security deflector plate to restrict access to hardware”

Placed over the rear of existing door letterflaps, the FlapLock™ can be locked (popular at night) and opened in the day (useful for receiving post). Also available in a heavy duty variation ideal for a permanent locking solution for commercial users, such as void properties.

The FlapLock™ enables existing doors with letterflaps and apertures to increase the security of the door and in turn the property – greatly improving its commitment to Secured by Design designing out crime.

Get in touch if you require a quotation, detailed CAD drawings or just some information on how we can work with you.

Secured by Design – Homes 2016 Guidelines

Click here to read the guidelines

Section 2 of the Secured by Design Homes 2016 guide refers to the physical security of the home. Within it there are guidelines with reference to secured mail delivery to houses, flats, apartments and social & student accommodation.

We have extracted and highlighted the main points to consider when positioning mailboxes as a useful tool.

Our entire mailbox range are of a very high specification and the strength, durability, security and aesthetics are considered in detail to ensure all of our products provide the ultimate solution; which in turn ensures we have many solutions to conform with the guidelines set out in the Secured by Design Homes 2016 guide.

21.21
There are increasing crime problems associated with letter plate apertures, such as identity theft, arson, hate crime, lock manipulation and ‘fishing’ for personal items (which may include post, vehicle and house keys, credit cards, etc.). In order to address such problems Secured by Design strongly recommends, where possible, mail delivery via a secure external letter box meeting the requirements of the Door and Hardware Federation standard Technical Standard 009 (TS 009) or delivery ‘through the wall’ into a secure area of the dwelling.

External surface mounted letter boxes

21.28
Where a single surface mounted letter box is to be used for each dwelling it must be robust in construction. TS 009 letter boxes offer reassurance that all of the above attributes have been met. In high crime areas TS 009 provides the safest means by which mail can be delivered whilst eliminating the risks associated with letter plate apertures. The letter box must be securely fixed to the face of the building in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and be located in a position that benefits from natural surveillance.

Through-the-wall delivery

21.29
Where there are design constraints that prevent a letter plate with a security cowl being installed within a door e.g. narrow hallway, or where it is undesirable to install a surface mounted secure mail box e.g. in a corridor, it may be preferable to provide ‘through-thewall’ mail delivery into a secure internal letter box. Such a box must incorporate the same design features as described above for a surface mounted box. Anti-arson design features may also be advised if such crime risks are present.

Mail delivery in buildings containing multiple dwellings or bedrooms

29.1
There are increasing crime problems associated with the delivery of post to buildings containing multiple dwellings or bedrooms.

Communal mail delivery

29.2
Communal mail delivery facilities within building entrances serving multiple flats or rooms (such as student accommodation) should be designed to incorporate the following:
• Located at the primary entrance/ exit point of the building within view, within an internal area covered by CCTV or located within an ‘airlock’ access controlled entrance hall, or externally at the front of the building within view of those using the building:
• Be of robust construction
• The individual letter boxes shall have a maximum aperture size of 260mm x 40mm
• Have anti-fishing properties
• Have fire retardation where considered necessary
• Installed in accordance with the manufacturers specifications

Individual mail delivery to flats

29.4
It is not recommended that post is delivered to individual flat entrance doorsets within larger developments. However where letter plates/ boxes are installed in communal developments serving each individual flat shall meet the requirements of paragraphs 21.21 to 21.27 (inclusive) (Note 29.4).

Note 29.4: Letter aperture hardware installed within flat entrance doorsets must be assessed by the relevant certification authority and form part of a certificated fire and security range of products.

35.3
There are increasing crime problems associated with letter plate apertures, such as identity theft, arson, hate crime, lock manipulation and ‘fishing’ for personal items (which may include post, vehicle and house keys, credit cards, etc). In order to address such problems Secured by Design strongly recommends, where possible, mail delivery via a secure external letter box meeting the requirements of the Door and Hardware Federation standard Technical Standard 009 (TS 009) or delivery ‘through the wall’ into a secure area of the dwelling. TS 009 letter boxes offer reassurance that all of the above attributes have been met. In high crime areas TS 009 provides the safest means by hich mail can be delivered whilst eliminating the risks associated with letter plate apertures. The letter box must be securely fixed to the face of the building in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and be located in a position that benefits from natural surveillance.

Through-the-wall delivery

35.4
Where there are design constraints that prevent a letter plate with a security cowl being installed within a door e.g. narrow hallway, or where it is undesirable to install a surface mounted secure mail box e.g. in a corridor, it may be preferable to provide ‘through-the-wall’ mail delivery into a secure internal letter box. Such a box must incorporate the same design features as described above for a surface mounted box. Anti-arson design features may also be advised if such crime risks are present.

42.1
There are increasing crime problems associated with the delivery of post to buildings containing multiple dwellings or bedrooms. Communal mail delivery should therefore adhere to the requirements within Section 2a, paragraph 29.

More information about Secured by Design Homes 2016 Guidelines

Why would I need a Secured by Design mail box?

If you are working on a development that has a requirement for the use of products that conform to a Secured by Design Homes 2016 guidelines, then you will have to use items that conform to this standard.

If you require a mailbox (and why wouldn’t you?!), then we have options for a Secured by Design mail box that conforms to the Homes 2016 guidelines. Make sure you notify us about the security requirements when you get in touch with us as we will need to take this into account when supplying you with information about a suitable product that meets the guidelines.

Looking for a secured by design solution?Get in touch with us now to see how we can help you…